Ahad, 16 Januari 2011

KEMALANGAN DI JALAN TUNGKU LAHAD DATU

Two dead in three-car crash

LAHAD DATU: Two people were killed, one seriously injured and two others hurt in a three-vehicle crash at KM19 of Jalan Lahad Datu-Tunku yesterday morning.

The victims were identified as Abdul Santa Maung, 42, and Tanjung Jelenty, 42. Abdul was driving a Proton Aeroback and Tanjung was seated in front.

They died on the spot as a result of serious injuries sustained to the head and body.

The identities of the three others who were hurt have not yet been ascertained and they have been sent to the Lahad Datu Hospital.

Other than the Proton Aeroback, the two other vehicles in the accident that occurred at about 8.30am, were a 10-tonne lorry and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle.

Acting Lahad Datu District Police Chief, ASP Bong Kuet Khiun,said the accident was believed to have occurred when the lorry, while on the way from Tunku to Lahad Datu, attempted to overtake the Proton Aeroback which was carrying the family of six.

“While attempting to overtake, a 4WD vehicle appeared from the opposite direction causing the lorry to cut into the path of the Aeroback. In the ensuing move, the lorry clipped the front right of the Proton Aeroback which caused the smaller vehicle to swerve and veer straight into the collision path of the approaching 4WD vehicle,” he said yesterday.

Bong said the lorry driver fled immediately from the scene of the accident.

“Investigations are underway and we are tracking the lorry driver,” he said.

Bong also said that the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Team rushed immediately to the scene to help extricate the victims trapped inside the Proton Aeroback.

The bodies of both victims were sent to the Lahad Datu Hospital before they were claimed by their families. – MARLINA MACPEE (marlina@neb)